Scottish Organisations Strengthen UK-Kenya Partnerships Through High Level Trade Mission to Nairobi

A delegation of Scottish organisations has returned from a targeted trade mission to Kenya that strengthened partnerships across education and skills training, agriculture and a range of priority sectors, while deepening engagement with key Kenyan and UK institutions.

Led by the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), and supported by the Scottish Government, the mission brought together organisations from education and skills training alongside businesses and institutions with interests spanning agriculture, manufacturing, trade, infrastructure, digital innovation and workforce development.

The mission focused on building practical relationships and identifying opportunities that align policy, industry and skills provision to support sustainable economic growth in both Scotland and Kenya.

The programme opened in Nairobi with an exclusive briefing hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK) in partnership with the British High Commission, held at RSM Eastern Africa in Westlands. Delegates received insights into the Kenyan business environment, regulatory frameworks and policy priorities, including developments relevant to agriculture and agri-processing, followed by targeted networking with BCCK members and selected guests.

A key highlight was a private meeting with Dr Kevit Desai, former Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Kenya’s Ministry of Education. Discussions explored skills reform, industry-led training models and opportunities for collaboration between Kenyan institutions and Scottish organisations, including linkages between skills development, agriculture and productivity.

Engagement with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) included a roundtable and private meetings focused on industrial and agricultural skills development, accreditation and employer engagement. Informal delegate dinners provided space to strengthen relationships and progress discussions.

On day two, delegates met with Gatsby Africa for a private roundtable on education innovation and systems change, followed by briefings and meetings with TradeMark Africa and the East African Business Association. These sessions examined regional trade integration, infrastructure, digitisation and the role of skills in enabling private sector growth across East Africa, including within agricultural value chains.

The mission concluded at the UK–Kenya Business Forum at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. Delegates had full access to the Scotland area, taking part in high-level networking, sector panels and curated bilateral meetings with UK and Kenyan business leaders and policymakers. As part of the Forum, Scottish organisations including Scotmas and Forth Valley College participated in formal signing recognitions highlighting new collaborations and partnerships.

Delegates also joined Forum roundtables focused on education innovation, skills development, agriculture and digital transformation. A high-level AI and education workshop, featuring insights from Dr Kevit Desai and SABA delegate, Colin McMurray of Forth Valley College, provided a platform to explore cross-sector collaboration and the future of UK–Kenya education and skills initiatives. The Forum concluded with a networking reception hosted by the British High Commissioner.

Frazer Lang, Chief Executive of the Scottish Africa Business Association, said: “This mission was about spending time with the right partners and having the right conversations. Working closely with the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya and engaging at the UK–Kenya Business Forum allowed Scottish organisations to explore opportunities that are practical, collaborative and aligned with Kenya’s priorities.”

The mission reinforced Scotland’s position as a trusted partner for Kenya across education, skills, agriculture and key economic sectors, with an emphasis on delivery, relevance and long-term collaboration.